Speak Out for Passenger Rail!

This month, we have some excellent opportunities to communicate our support for expanded passenger rail services in our state. Please take a few minutes to tell our government officials that passenger rail should be an important part of our transportation system. Please submit your comments as shown below.

A Transportation System With Aviation and Rail 

The last meeting of the Commercial Aviation Coordination Commission (CACC) was held on June 9. The Commission is soliciting public comment to be included as part of their final report. We hope that you will explain, in your own words, why rail needs to be part of planning to relieve SEATAC airport. We believe that rail should be part of a solution that can help reduce the need for short-distance flights to/from SEATAC, as well as help the environment.

Please submit your comments no later than June 30 to [email protected] and send copies to AAWA at [email protected].

Access to Mount Rainier

The National Park Service is soliciting public feedback on its management plan for the Nisqually to Paradise Corridor. “The plan is needed to address visitor experience, congestion, and resource issues.…Potential actions include timed-entry reservation systems, parking permit systems, alternative transportation options, as well as improved wayfinding, signage, roadside scenic vista management, and development of trails. ”

What alternative transportation systems do you think should be part of the transportation plan for Mount Rainier National Park? Please submit your comments no later than June 26 to the Park Service website at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/document.cfm?documentID=127898 and send copies to AAWA at [email protected].

Amtrak Board Nominations

The U. S. Senate Commerce Committee has announced a nomination hearing for three of the six nominees that had been submitted by the Administration at the beginning of the year. Despite the requirements for geographic diversity in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, none of the nominees represent our region of the country. Please contact U. S. Senator Maria Cantwell, committee chair, to express your opinions, no later than Tuesday, June 20, at https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/contact/email/form and again, send copies of your comments to AAWA at [email protected].

Memorial for Bill Myers

AAWA member Bill Myers passed away on May 31. Bob Lawrence, AAWA board member, says “Bill was a retired Boeing Engineer with many worldwide airline postings. I recall when he attended a NARP/RPA Meeting in Alexandria VA. We rode the VRE commuter rail into Washington Union Station together instead of the Metro for the Day on the Hill. He was interested in the new Mt. Vernon station as he lived in Anacortes. A very fine fellow.”

His obituary is online at https://www.evanschapel.com/obituary/bill-myers and his family has asked for donations to AAWA in lieu of flowers. We thank the Myers family for their thoughtful request.

Donations may be made online at https://www.aawa.us/donate or by mail to:

All Aboard Washington
P.O. Box 70381
Seattle, WA 98127-0381

Greater Northwest Passenger Rail Summit 

Register today to join us in Boise, ID on July 19th and 20th. The full agenda will include legislators, Federal officials, railroad representatives, and more. We're looking forward to bringing together passenger rail experts and advocates to continue working toward restoring a true national network for passenger rail that includes service to the largely underserved Greater Northwest.

Register now

We have two hotel blocks located in the heart of Downtown Boise. Make your reservation as soon as possible to get our exclusive group rate. Remote registration is also available.

Picnic

Don’t forget to join us on Saturday, August 12 for AAWA’s annual picnic in Lacey. Please register at https://www.aawa.us/events/aawa-annual-picnic-august-2023/ and let us know if you’ll need a ride from Olympia-Lacey train station.

We thank you for your support, and look forward to seeing you soon!